Antique Baths at Bagni Vignoni
On the antique, and well travelled road that takes to Rome, called Cassia in honour to a 154 BC censor name Cassio, at about 35 Miles (50 Km) from Siena, is the wonderfully restored city of Bagni Vignoni, so called because the little town (few houses and two prestigious hotels) has been the center of a rich thermal activity since pre Christian times. Here the heart of the town, the square, is not made of stone or bricks, as in many other Tuscan towns, it is made of water. The enormous square well is filled with thermal waters that come from a spring at its center. The temperature is around 124 F (51 C), but swimming is forbidden. On three sides the well is walled, but on the third side the it is possible to sit under a loggiato and enjoy the view. Here, in 1320 Santa Caterina da Siena too stopped and enjoyed the peaceful sight.
However, if you want to enjoy the thermal and beneficial baths, you have the choice of Hotel Posta Marcucci, with a tiled thermal swimming pool for 10 Euro per person a day, and the more natural, but just as clean, environment that the waters coming from the main square form while descending the hill towards a creek.
This whitewashed hill is unmistakeably signed with the many pools and small cascades adorning it. People have swam in these ever changing pools for centuries. The fresh breeze and unique landscape harmonize with the feeling of peace that one feels entering these waters. Grass bushes and well placed stones form naturally the corners where enjoy and benefit from the baths. Descending from one pool to another the temperature drops accordingly, letting each one decide their comfort zone. The area is very safe and the atmosphere is underlined by a friendly, but understated, feeling of brotherhood.
The route to Bagni Vignoni is: Take Exit Siena South towards Monteroni. At the light, turn right on to the Cassia road. Stay on for about 50 Km, until you will find the signs to Bagni Vignoni. The road will be on your right.
Contact Posta Marcucci: Tel. 00390577887112 - info@hotelpostamarcucci.it
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